'It's unfair to say he's the only one getting away with it': Michael Clarke questions timing of David Warner's comments on Sandpaper Gate fallout

NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has questioned the timing of David Warner’s recent comments on the fallout he suffered from the Sandpaper Gate scandal, noting that other players like Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith also had a lot suffered.

Warner’s remarks were made ahead of Australia’s Super 8 clash with Bangladesh, where he claimed he bore the brunt of the 2018 ball-tampering incident.

Warner said he has been the main target of criticism since the incident, expressing his frustration in an interview. He pointed out that since his return to cricket in 2018, he has faced relentless criticism, suggesting that this could be due to some people’s personal dislike towards him or the Australian cricket team.

“Coming back since 2018, I’m probably the only one who’s had a lot of criticism. Whether it’s people not liking the Australian cricket team or not liking me, I’ve always been that person who “I made it,” Warner told reporters ahead of Australia’s Super 8 clash with Bangladesh via Fox Sports.

The 2018 Cape Town Test saw Warner, then captain Steve Smith, and opener Cameron Bancroft embroiled in a notorious ball-tampering scandal. Warner and Smith were suspended for one year from cricket by Cricket Australia, while Bancroft received a nine-month ban. Warner also received a lifetime ban from captaincy roles.

Michael Clarke responded to Warner’s comments on ESPN’s Around the Wicket, acknowledging that while Warner faced significant pressure, it’s unfair to suggest he was the only one affected. Clarke pointed out that the scandal also had a significant impact on the careers of Bancroft and Smith.

“I understand where Davey is coming from. I think parts of what he said are pretty spot on. I don’t think he has the timing right. I don’t think it’s fair to say that “I think Cameron Bancroft certainly managed to avoid it, and that’s the reason he’s not in the Australian Test team, because of what’s going on. passed years ago, obviously, lost the captaincy of Australia,” Clarke said.

Clarke suggested Warner’s reflection might have been more timely if it had taken place after the World Cup rather than in the middle of the tournament. He expressed concern that raising the topic now could potentially disrupt the team’s focus.

“Davey has done it, there’s no doubt about it. I just don’t think the timing is right. I think it probably would have been better suited to the end of the World Cup rather than the middle of the World Cup “There are probably other players in the team who would prefer not to be talked about at the moment,” Clarke added.

The ball-tampering scandal remains a significant stain in Australian cricket history, affecting the careers of Warner, Smith and Bancroft.